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Frigatebirds: Barbuda's most famous residents
Barbuda’s most famous resident is undoubtedly the frigatebird – at the very least, it is the most spectacular. Indeed, when on the island, look up; chances are you will spot one of the pterodactyllike frigatebirds gliding overhead, their distinctive forked tails and glossy black feathers shimmering in the sunlight. With a wingspan of over six feet (1.8 m), spotting one of Antigua & Barbuda’s national birds in flight is something you’ll never forget.
The world-renowned frigatebird sanctuary is located within the 16-mile (26 km) Codrington Lagoon National Park – a designated Wetland of International Importance. Home to 5,000 frigatebirds, the sanctuary also hosts an incredible 170 other bird species.
Frigatebirds are more commonly known as “man o’ wars” or “pirates of the sky” due to the way they harass each other and other species into regurgitating or letting go of recently captured food that they then snatch in midair. Masters of flight, they can undertake enormous intercontinental journeys, remaining airborne for months on end, gliding kilometres without even flapping a wing. Unlike all other seabirds, frigatebirds’ feathers are not waterproof, so, unable to submerge themselves in the ocean, they skim the surface for food, scooping up any flying fish or stealing prey from other birds they meet along the way.
Barbuda’s most famous resident is undoubtedly the frigatebird – at the very least, it is the most spectacular.
When in Barbuda, the sanctuary is an absolute must-see. The best spectacle is to be had from November to April when the males gather to court females by puffing up their bright red throat pouches like balloons and clattering and drumming their bills as they vie for the attention of the females flying overhead. Witnessing this natural wonder offers a glimpse into the life of one of the most fascinating birds on the planet.
